KAMPALA, Uganda — Wakiso District continues to drive the surge in Uganda’s real estate market, recording a 16.9 percent increase in property costs even as national housing prices accelerate, according to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics.
The latest Residential Property Price Index shows that national house prices rose 9.2 percent in the year ending with the second quarter of the 2025-2026 financial year. That growth rate is nearly double the 4.7 percent increase reported in the previous quarter.
While Wakiso’s 16.9 percent jump is a slight decrease from the 18.3 percent growth seen earlier, the district remains the most expensive area for homebuyers. Analysts suggest the trend is driven by limited land availability in Kampala, which is pushing residents to seek housing in the surrounding district.
The report also noted a recovery in Kampala Central and Makindye. After a sharp 10.2 percent drop in the previous quarter, prices in these central areas rose by 2 percent, suggesting a return in demand for urban property.
Other areas in the Greater Kampala region also reported significant gains. Kawempe and Rubaga saw prices rise 9.5 percent, up from 6.4 percent, while Nakawa recorded a 5.8 percent increase.
UBOS Executive Director Chris Mukiza said the figures reflect strong demand for housing in both urban and peri-urban areas. On a quarterly basis, overall property prices across the country grew by 2.6 percent.
For the 2025 calendar year, average residential property inflation reached 5.6 percent, compared to 4.6 percent in 2024. Wakiso led this annual growth at 11.6 percent, a significant rise from the 2.1 percent recorded the year prior.
Data indicates that population growth, urbanization and major infrastructure projects like expressways are the primary drivers of the rising costs. Additionally, foreign investment in large-scale developments continues to push market values higher.
The rising costs mean homeownership is becoming more expensive for the average Ugandan. Experts warn that these property value increases are likely to trigger higher rents and may push those seeking affordable housing further away from the capital.
